The Osceola Town Council has a decision to make to protect its citizens going forward.
Baugo Township firefighters will stop answering calls from Osceola on Apr. 7, which means the South Bend Fire Department could be the only option after then.
“After next Friday, when Baugo stops, it could be one of those situations where South Bend helps or they don’t help,” Penn Township Board President Kent Hizer told ABC 57. “But they have no obligation to do so in any other incorporated area, so that’s a huge concern for all of ours. We need to get this fixed, right?”
At a special meeting with the community Friday, Penn Township gave Osceola Town Council President Debra Davis two options:
- The original agreement to pay them $147,000 for 2017 and turn over all real estate and equipment related to the fire department—or–
- The newer option to pay $244,000 for the year without having to turn over any buildings or equipment.
On top of that, Penn Township has two stipulations:
- They would maintain full control over the Penn Township Fire Department—and—
- The agreement wouldn’t negatively affect taxes in their township.
Davis acknowledges either choice will be “tight” on city finances, but believes a deal can be reached with Penn Township.
